Visiting Music Teacher - Music Technology

About the job

The Perse is one of the country’s leading co-educational independent day schools, providing a high quality education to pupils aged 3-18 in Cambridge. 

The Perse Upper School is seeking an inspirational, experienced music technology teacher to join our vibrant Music Department, teaching pupils across the 11-18 age range from March 2024. Music is a dynamic, ever-growing department with a rich and varied programme of high-quality events throughout the school year. Our overriding aim is to foster a culture of inclusivity and music for all but with a mindfulness for realising the potential of our most gifted pupil musicians. 

This new role has arisen due to the interest in DAW production and recording techniques among a rapidly growing number of pupils. Activity using DAWs and recording equipment is fostered through:

• High-quality Key Stage 3, GCSE and A-Level composition work
• A well-attended pupil-led Music Technology Society
• A Technical Theatre Club which focusses on sound design, recording and amplification for school productions.

The successful applicant, as a self-employed Visiting Music Teacher, will be offered the opportunity to teach a number of pupils in weekly individual lessons on the school site. Applicants would need to commit to teaching at least one working day of individual lessons, though more lessons may be available subject to pupil/parent demand.

Individual instrumental lessons are invoiced directly to parents/carers of pupils in a private agreement detailed in the School’s Self-Employed Visiting Music Staff Service Agreement. This document is available on request.

The hourly rate is agreed by all self-employed peripatetic teachers in advance of each academic year. The rate for the current academic year (2023-24) is £49.00 per hour. Lessons are usually 30 minutes in length and teachers usually aim to provide 30 music lessons in any one academic year.

Individual lessons operate on a rotational basis for pupils in Years 7 to 11; Sixth Form pupils normally have their instrumental lesson fixed into a free academic period.

The successful applicant may also be contracted on a self-employed basis to undertake any of the following further opportunities as required by the Director of Music and depending on the applicant’s skill set, interests and availability as discussed at interview:

• Oversight, maintenance, and advice on purchase of hardware and software within the Music Department
• Assistance with the pupil-led Music Technology Society, focussing on creative composition using DAWs
• Training of staff in the use of DAWs

Person Specification

Essential

• Highly qualified, skilled and experienced music technology practitioner
• Thorough and up-to-date knowledge of DAW/recording hardware and software
• Enthusiastic, confident, and able to inspire pupils of all abilities
• Engaging, warm and friendly, with excellent interpersonal communication skills with pupils, parents and staff

Desirable

• Literate in standard, TAB and/or percussion notation, and music theory
• Proficient on at least one instrument (rock/pop/jazz instrument(s) an advantage)
• Understanding of official music technology qualifications (e.g. NCFE)
   

Applications are to be made by sending a CV with covering letter to music@perse.co.uk

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the School and to meet the Director of Music and colleagues within the Music Department. Candidates will be asked to take a short individual lesson and may also be asked to undertake a small group activity using a DAW set-up; further details will be provided by the Director of Music for those candidates who are shortlisted. Part of the interview process will cover candidates’ suitability to work with children.

The Director of Music, Mr Ben Wingfield, will be very happy to discuss any aspects of the role with applicants via email (music@perse.co.uk) or phone (01223 403831).

Closing date: 11^th December 2023 at midday but applications will be considered as they are received; The Perse School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Safer Recruitment

The Perse School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity.  This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.